Remington 360 Buckhammer 160 Grain Core Lokt Tipped R20061 Review

Remington 360 Buckhammer 160 Grain Core Lokt Tipped R20061 Review

Behind the Box: Testing the Remington 360 Buckhammer 160 Grain Core Lokt Tipped R20061 $1.10 Off

The Remington 360 Buckhammer 160 Grain Core Lokt Tipped R20061 $1.10 Off promises to bridge the gap between traditional straight-wall cartridges and bottlenecked rifle rounds, and that got my attention. Manufactured by Remington, this round is designed for lever-action rifles and offers a flat trajectory and significant energy transfer for deer hunters. Its Core-Lokt Tipped bullet aims for accuracy and terminal performance beyond the reach of standard straight-wall options.

Years of guiding whitetail hunts in states with straight-wall cartridge restrictions left me frustrated. I yearned for a round that offered better long-range performance without sacrificing the punch needed for ethical harvests. The Remington 360 Buckhammer seemed like the answer to my prayers, promising a flatter trajectory and enhanced accuracy.

Unboxing the ammo, I was immediately struck by the clean, consistent appearance of the rounds. The copper jacket of the Core-Lokt Tipped bullets gleamed, and the brass cases looked pristine. They felt substantial in hand, hinting at the power they promised to deliver downrange.

Compared to traditional .44 Magnum or .45-70 straight-wall cartridges, the 360 Buckhammer seemed more streamlined, like a rifle cartridge scaled down. I also considered the .350 Legend, but the 360 Buckhammer‘s heavier bullet weight and reputation for reliability with Remington‘s Core-Lokt design swayed me. Initial impressions were positive; I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype.






Real-World Testing: Putting Remington 360 Buckhammer 160 Grain Core Lokt Tipped R20061 $1.10 Off to the Test

First Use Experience

My first experience with the Remington 360 Buckhammer was at my local shooting range, zeroing my Henry lever-action rifle. I started at 50 yards and quickly moved out to 100, then 200 yards to test its trajectory. The weather was mild, around 60 degrees Fahrenheit, with a slight breeze.

The rifle recoiled noticeably less than with my .45-70, making follow-up shots quicker and more comfortable. The point of impact was surprisingly consistent. I was able to achieve a 1.5-inch group at 100 yards, something I struggled to replicate with other straight-wall cartridges.

There were no failures to feed or eject, and the primers looked normal after firing. My initial impression was that the Remington 360 Buckhammer was a smooth, accurate, and reliable cartridge.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, including pre-season scouting and practice, the Remington 360 Buckhammer has proven its reliability. I’ve put over 200 rounds through my Henry without a single malfunction. The brass cases extract cleanly, and there are no signs of excessive wear on the rifle.

I hunted with this cartridge in early November in varied weather conditions, from damp mornings to freezing afternoons. The ammo performed consistently. I harvested a mature buck at 175 yards with a clean, ethical shot.

Compared to my previous experiences with .44 Magnum, the 360 Buckhammer offers a flatter trajectory and more consistent accuracy at longer ranges. It significantly outperformed my expectations.

Breaking Down the Features of Remington 360 Buckhammer 160 Grain Core Lokt Tipped R20061 $1.10 Off

Specifications

The Remington 360 Buckhammer 160 Grain Core Lokt Tipped boasts impressive specifications for a straight-wall cartridge. It features a .360 Buckhammer caliber and is loaded with a 160-grain Core-Lokt Tipped bullet. The brass cartridge case ensures reliable feeding and extraction.

A box contains 20 rounds, making it convenient for range practice and hunting trips. The muzzle velocity is rated at 2400 ft/s, providing a flat trajectory and significant energy transfer downrange. The G1 Ballistic Coefficient is 0.178, contributing to its ability to maintain velocity and resist wind drift.

These specifications are vital for hunters seeking a cartridge that can extend their effective range while maintaining ethical terminal performance. The 160-grain bullet offers a good balance of weight and velocity. The bullet should deliver sufficient energy on target.

Performance & Functionality

The Remington 360 Buckhammer excels in both accuracy and terminal performance. At the range, I consistently achieved sub-2-inch groups at 100 yards, and with practice, was able to maintain acceptable accuracy out to 200 yards. In the field, it delivered quick, humane kills on deer-sized game.

The cartridge’s strengths lie in its flat trajectory, manageable recoil, and excellent terminal ballistics. One area for improvement could be offering heavier bullet weights for hunters pursuing larger game. Overall, the Remington 360 Buckhammer meets and often exceeds expectations.

Design & Ergonomics

The Remington 360 Buckhammer is designed with lever-action rifles in mind, ensuring smooth feeding and reliable extraction. The Core-Lokt Tipped bullet features a copper jacket and a lead core. The bullet is designed for controlled expansion and deep penetration. The brass case is well-made and contributes to the cartridge’s overall reliability.

The ammo is comfortable to handle, and the manageable recoil makes it suitable for hunters of all experience levels. The design prioritizes function and reliability over aesthetics, a trade-off I appreciate in a hunting cartridge.

Durability & Maintenance

As a factory-loaded cartridge, the Remington 360 Buckhammer requires no maintenance beyond proper storage to prevent corrosion. The brass cases are reloadable, extending the cartridge’s lifespan for handloading enthusiasts. With proper care, a box of 360 Buckhammer ammunition should last for many years of reliable performance.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Remington 360 Buckhammer doesn’t require any specific accessories, as it’s a self-contained cartridge. However, pairing it with a high-quality lever-action rifle and a reliable optic can significantly enhance its performance. Several manufacturers offer lever-action rifles chambered in .360 Buckhammer, and a variety of scopes and red dots can be used to improve accuracy.

There are currently no known widespread options for bullet customization. Reloading is the primary method for custom tailoring of this cartridge.

Pros and Cons of Remington 360 Buckhammer 160 Grain Core Lokt Tipped R20061 $1.10 Off

Pros

  • Improved long-range performance compared to traditional straight-wall cartridges. This allows for ethical shots at distances previously unattainable with those rounds.
  • Manageable recoil makes it comfortable to shoot for extended periods and allows for quicker follow-up shots.
  • Excellent accuracy enables hunters to place shots precisely, ensuring humane kills.
  • Reliable feeding and extraction minimizes the risk of malfunctions in the field.
  • Effective terminal ballistics results in quick, ethical kills on deer-sized game.

Cons

  • Limited availability compared to more common calibers. This can make it challenging to find in some areas.
  • Slightly more expensive than some other straight-wall cartridges. The enhanced performance can justify the cost.


Remington 360 Buckhammer 160 Grain Core Lokt Tipped R20061 Review


Who Should Buy Remington 360 Buckhammer 160 Grain Core Lokt Tipped R20061 $1.10 Off?

The Remington 360 Buckhammer is perfect for deer hunters in states with straight-wall cartridge restrictions who are looking to extend their effective range. It’s also a great choice for hunters who appreciate manageable recoil and excellent accuracy. Anyone looking for a reliable and effective straight-wall cartridge for lever-action rifles would benefit from this round.

Hunters who primarily hunt in thick brush at very close ranges might not see the full benefit of the 360 Buckhammer‘s long-range capabilities. Those on a very tight budget might find other straight-wall cartridges more appealing due to their lower cost. A good quality optic is a must-have accessory for maximizing the accuracy potential of this cartridge.

Conclusion on Remington 360 Buckhammer 160 Grain Core Lokt Tipped R20061 $1.10 Off

The Remington 360 Buckhammer 160 Grain Core Lokt Tipped is an excellent cartridge that delivers on its promises of improved long-range performance, manageable recoil, and excellent accuracy. The $46.89 price is justified by the enhanced capabilities it offers compared to traditional straight-wall options.

I would definitely recommend the Remington 360 Buckhammer to any hunter seeking a reliable and effective straight-wall cartridge. If you’re ready to take your deer hunting to the next level, give the Remington 360 Buckhammer a try – you won’t be disappointed.

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